Bennett in defence of star’s chirp

SOUTH Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has written himself into the Book of Feuds after calling the Sydney Roosters immature for their shot at Cody Walker.

Walker was labelled “disrespectful” by Roosters star Luke Keary for sledging during the Rabbitohs’ 26-16 Round 1 NRL victory over the premiers.

Roosters star Cooper Cronk exchanged barbs with Walker late in the second half, prompting a melee between the rival clubs in a heated battle.

“I don’t know what all the noise was about. What I know sledging to be, that wasn’t sledging,” Bennett said.

“There’s three key words we use today, mate: Leadership, disrespectful and consistency. And most of the time it wasn’t disrespectful.

“It’s two guys having a go at each other, simple as that.”

Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton was also called “traitor” following his offseason move from Redfern.

Earlier this week, Keary, a member of the Rabbitohs’ premiership side in 2014, said it was how Walker played.

The Roosters five-eighth also warned Walker that his comments could come back to haunt him but Bennett said the reaction was excessive.

“It’s the immaturity we have in the game today,” Bennett said. “The main psyche is, ‘Get off the field, forget about it and move on with life.’ Some of the boys just don’t grow up early enough any more.”

After taking down the reigning premiers, Bennett is now wary of his team meeting a weakened St George Illawarra team tonight.